Kali’s New Life In The Mountains

It was the evening of May 24, 2014 when we picked Kali up at SFO and drove her home to begin her new life America. Her new home and what had been our’s for the past 20 years in Livermore CA. She had flown 14 hours with 23 other Golden Retrievers from Taiwan. They all of had been rescued locally by Taiwan Pawprint Dog-Friendly Society (TPDS) and were tended to by the loving hands of Jade Lo for three months, longer for some, before being ready for travel and adoption. I fell in love with Kali as soon as I saw her picture on Rescued Love From Taiwan‘s Facebook page. Holly and I were thrilled and blessed to be able to adopt Kali. Two years later I cannot fathom the thought of living without her.

The morning after Kali arrived – the Sunday of Memorial Weekend – I sat in the yard watching Kali explore. It was a glorious warm morning with the yard in full bloom displaying the fruits of my earl Spring gardening efforts. This weekend and the following days and weeks were reserved for Kali several weeks in advance so that we could be close at hand to help her with adjusting to her new life in America. The adjustment period was pretty much a non-event. By the end of the second day she was eating side-by-side with her lil’ brother Smokey (the 10 pound Maltese/Yorky mix), sleeping through the night at the side of my bed, and had quickly adapted to the routine of the household.

The morning after arriving

So as I sat there watching Kali and surfing on my laptop I decided to start a blog. A blog about this dog I had fallen in love with and, by all accounts so far, seemed to love me too. It was striking how quickly Kali and I bonded. From the first night home she wouldn’t leave my side and to this day we are rarely apart while in and around the house. Now after two years I still endure the (good natured) teasing from family and friends about Kali and my dedication to one another.

So what do I call this blog I thought? “Golden Kali” immediately came to mind and so it was. What is this blog about? What is the context I asked myself. I looked over at Kali sporting her American flag scarf that was placed around her neck at SFO the night before and it was obvious: the blog is about Kali’s new life in America.

Since the day our Bailey passed away (now seven years ago) I had dreamed of the day another dog like him would join our family. Kali was and is that dream come true.

But now after two years we’re going to expand on the dream just a bit. Because another dream of mine has been to live in the mountains….

Last Fall Holly and I began exploring the possibility of moving to the mountains. In parallel I discussed that possibility with Holly and suggested that the time was right to make this move. As we always do, Holly and I got on the same page, explored the dream together, and considered what was best for our family. We decided to “head for the hills”. We purchased a home in Tuolumne, CA which is located in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Our property sits on five acres at an elevation of 3100 feet covered with pines, cedar, and oak trees and a wonderful home that is best described as “rustic elegance”. We’re thrilled to be making this move into the next phase of our life.

So here we go. Over the next several weeks Holly, Kali, and I will begin transitioning to our new mountain home.

The process of buying and selling homes is cumbersome and takes time. And oh yeah, theres also the process of organizing and packing 20 plus years of Livermore. I haven’t posted much during this period and it may be hit and miss for a while and until we are settled. In the meantime Kali and I will keep you “posted” as much as possible with updates and pictures as we begin reporting on this new chapter about Kali’s new life in the mountains.

Thanks Monika! We won’t be mile high like you are. We’re at 3100 feet elevation so we’ll get some dustings a few times a year. I used to say that the only thing better than having a swimming pool is having a neighbor with a swimming pool. Kind of the same thing – we’ll get to enjoy a little bit of snow a few times a year but won’t have to shovel and dig our way out. 🙂

I didn’t know Kali originally came from Taiwan! That is so nice that you truly rescued her… And congratulations on buying your home in the mountains! I’m so glad you were able to follow your dreams, and look forward to reading new posts as you all settle in. I wish you nothing but the best!

That’s a great question Colin. Kali certainly has brought a new focus in our life. Our new home in the mountains is set up great for dogs with a significant part of the area around the house fenced and gated and safe for dogs to be left alone outside. The area has access to an small out building/shed via doggie door with A/C and heat. There is a platform out side the shed that is shaded and has an overhead light. There is another gate that opens that area to the deck that wraps around the house. The significance of this is that this entire area is safe for the Kali, She will be are protected from the elements and critters, and will be safe if we were to leave her alone.

So while we may have made the move anyway Kali was certainly always part of the equation especially when it came to this particular home. Frankly, it was one of the selling points for us that it was set up great or dogs. We are also adopting another dog as soon as we move and perhaps fostering beyond that.

I think it is safe to say that Kali did not come into our lives by accident and therefore she may have indeed changed the course of our lives.